Sweden is one of the most popular destinations for international students due to its high-quality education system and focus on innovation. For students from outside the EU/EEA, such as those from Bangladesh, there are several fully-funded and partial scholarship opportunities available for the 2026 academic year.

Below is a complete guide to scholarships in Sweden for international students.

1. Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals

This is the most prestigious and competitive scholarship offered by the Swedish government. It is a fully-funded scholarship designed for ambitious professionals from 34 eligible countries (including Bangladesh).

What it Covers:

Full Tuition Fees: Paid directly to the university.
Living Expenses: SEK 12,000 per month (approx. $1,150).
Travel Grant: A one-time payment of SEK 15,000.
Insurance: Comprehensive health and accident insurance.
Networking: Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals.

Eligibility Criteria:

Apply Uppsala University scholarship

Citizenship: Must be from an eligible country (e.g., Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt, etc.).
Work Experience: Minimum of 3,000 hours of demonstrated work experience (full-time, part-time, or freelance).
Leadership Experience: Must provide proof of leadership from work or civil society engagement.
Admissions: You must apply for a Master’s program through UniversityAdmissions.se by January 15, 2026.

Key Dates:

University Application Deadline: January 15, 2026.
Scholarship Application Window: February 9 – February 25, 2026.
Results Announcement: Late April 2026.

2. Swedish University Scholarships (Tuition Waivers)

Almost every major Swedish university offers its own scholarship program. These usually cover 75% to 100% of the tuition fees but do not typically cover living expenses.

Top University Scholarships:

University	Scholarship Name	Coverage
Uppsala University	Global Scholarship	100% Tuition
Lund University	Global Scholarship	25% – 100% Tuition
KTH Royal Institute	KTH Scholarship	100% Tuition
Chalmers University	IPOET Scholarship	75% – 100% Tuition
University of Gothenburg	Axel Adler Scholarship	100% Tuition

How to Apply:

Apply for a program at the specific university via the national portal.
Once you have your application number, check the university’s own website for a separate scholarship application link (usually open in February).

3. Application Process for Sweden (Step-by-Step)

The application process in Sweden is unique because it is centralized. You do not apply to universities individually.

Step 1: Choose Your Programs

Select up to 4 Master’s programs on UniversityAdmissions.se.

Step 2: Submit and Pay

Submit your application and pay the application fee of SEK 900 by January 15.

Note: Even if you are applying for a scholarship, you must pay this fee first.

Step 3: Upload Documents

Upload your Bachelor’s transcripts, certificates, Passport, and English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) results.

Step 4: Apply for Scholarships

Once the university application is submitted, use your 8-digit application number to apply for the SI Scholarship or individual university scholarships in February.

4. Mandatory Requirements for Bangladeshi Students

English Proficiency: Most programs require an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no band below 5.5).
Academic Record: A strong CGPA (usually 3.0+ out of 4.0) is highly recommended for competitive scholarships.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-written SOP is crucial, especially for the SI Scholarship, where you must explain how your studies will contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Final Pro-Tip:

The January 15 deadline is the most important date. If you miss this deadline for the university application, you lose the chance to apply for almost all Swedish scholarships for that year.